Wilfred Ndidi looks to be making up for lost time as he was once again on target for Leicester City n their 5-0 win over Joe Aribo’s Southampton on Tuesday night in the Championship.
The Super Eagles midfielder got injured before the Africa Cup of Nations and missed 10 matches for his club and the entirety of the Nations Cup where Nigeria lost in the final to Ivory Coast.
Since his return from injury, Ndidi has been in brilliant form for Leicester. He was on the scoresheet in their last game, a 2-1 win over West Brom.
It was a peerless performance by Leicester, as they kept their promotion hopes alive with a resounding victory powered by Ghanaian winger Abdul Fatawu who scored a hat-trick.
Leicester take the lead
The breakthrough moment for Leicester arrived 25 minutes into the game.
It all started with Wout Faes reclaiming possession from Che Adams. Harry Winks swiftly launched the ball forward to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who threaded a precise pass to Fatawu inside the box.
With composure, Fatawu calmly slotted the ball past Alex McCarthy, putting Leicester in the lead.
The first half concluded without any further goals, but the second half saw Leicester's dominance unfold as they blitzed past Southampton.
The Saints looked the better team at the start of the second half, yet it was Leicester who capitalized next.
Wilfred Ndidi equals best goal tally in a season
Just past the hour mark, The Foxes capitalized on winning the ball high up the pitch. Stephy Mavididi whipped in a cross for Ndidi, who powered in his fourth goal of the season and second since returning from injury.
Fatawu continued to shine, securing his second goal of the night with a spectacular strike from outside the box.
Cutting in from the right, he expertly bent the ball past McCarthy. Moments later, he turned provider, setting up Vardy for Leicester's fourth goal. Fatawu's low cross found Vardy, who elegantly swept the ball in at the near post.
The night's scoring was rounded off in style in the 81st minute by Fatawu, who converted Vardy's cross after a swift counter-attack had torn Southampton's defense apart to get his hattrick.
It was a night to savour for Ndidi and Leicester City fans.
The 27-year old has now scored four goals this season in the Championship with five assists from 30 games.
Including his two EFL Cup goals, the Super Eagles midfielder has matched his best goal tally in a season. He scored six times during the 2016/17 campaign; twice for Genk and four times for Leicester.
Wilfred Ndidi’s Nigeria team-mate at the club, Kelechi Iheanacho was not dressed for the game.
With this win, Leicester are top of the Championship table with 94 points after 44 games, four points clear of second placed Leeds United.
The Nigerian looks to be back to full fitness and leading the charge for Leicester City as they seek for a quick return to the Premier League after they were relegated last season.
